Back to the Future Indeed: Electric DeLorean DMC-12 in the Works
125 mph (possibly); no flux capacitator (probably).
The reborn DeLorean Motor Co. announced Friday that an electric DeLorean was in the works for 2013. And not "electric" as in "exciting" -- though it could be that, too -- but as in actually electric: Texas-based DMC will partner with start-up Epic EV to produce an electric vehicle that reportedly will achieve 125 mph from 260 horsepower -- and cost anywhere from $90,000 to $100,000. A prototype electric DeLorean was unveiled in a surprise move during the DMC Texas Open House for DeLorean owners at the company's headquarters in Humble, Texas. DMC owner Stephen Wynne said that the new vehicle represents "major leaps forward" and that "as far as substantial updates go, it's been 30 years."
Yes, we noticed.
DMC-released specs are included after the jump.
[Source: DMC via Autoblog.]
I'm sick of going through these comments and seeing myths perpetuated about my car. To prevent any more ignorance from permeating the board, let me clear some up: 1) The original DMC-12s weigh approximately 2700lbs. The SS panels are relatively thin, this is not an extremely heavy car. 2) For the time period this car was created, it was absolutely state-of-the-art in safety. It received commendation from various insurance companies to include Allstate. One of the names considered for the car was the "DSV"--DeLorean Safety Vehicle. 3) These cars aren't worthless. If properly cared for, many have appreciated and are worth upwards of 20k, even 30k. 4) They aren't unreliable cars, but they ARE 30 years old. Any 30 year old car will have issues, and any 30 year old car can be made reliable. I've owned mine for almost a year and the only issue I had was age related. 5) There are plenty of parts, and they ARE making new parts to replace the NOS ones as they are consumed. The hardest thing to find, in my experience, was the correct tire size. If you're going to make an asinine comment, make sure it's backed up by fact.
I'm not usually a fan of electric cars. But I AM a fan of keeping a car with the most fascinating automotive history behind it alive for generations to come. If that means sticking a massive battery in it, tying a nuclear reactor to the back, or heck, even tying it to a dog sled, I'm all for it.
Ok folks enough with negative stuff! I've had forty years of tree hugger nonsense! Here is a gutsy
American car manufacturer willing to turn out a truly unique American product! Yes it's pricey and not perfect, but most new products aren't bug proof! With our economy needing a boost from anywhere we can find it we should encourage Mr. Wynn & co. and pat them on the back! Can't say for certain but I doubt they had any stimulus from the clowns in D.C.
Well, IAM DUMMY, if the range is really 100 miles on a 3.5 hour charge that's pretty cheap transportation:
240 volts at 70 amps is 16.8 kilowatts. 3 1/2 hours would be 58.8 kWh. I think the average electric rate in the U.S. is around 13 cents/kWh. So that charge would cost $7.64. At $4/gallon of gas, that's the equivalent of about 50 mpg.
Batteries that power vehicles currently don't scale well. Bigger vehicles require MUCH bigger batteries. That means there's no way to power an electric a truck or an SUV (much less a semi). It would require giant batteries. Even on the EV's that are on the road now, the batteries have to be cooled or heated to produce enough power. That also requires more electricity. The bottom line is range. Cool and heat the batteries for efficiency and you loose range. Run the A/C and you loose range. Turn on the radio and you loose range. What we are seeing is manufacturing taking advantage of lots of government money. Lots of feel good publicity. Companies raising the public's awareness because they build electric cars and the good will that brings, but not a practical means of propulsion. Does anyone out their know where we can find a good Flux Capacitor?
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